Excalibur Japanese Spitz
History
The Japanese Spitz are believed to be descended from white German Spitz that were brought over to Japan around 1920 via Siberia and China. The full history of the breed is unknown as the records were destroyed in WWII. However, it is known that the first exhibit of the Japanese Spitz was in 1921 at a Tokyo show, and in 1925, two white spitz were imported from Canada. Additional imports of white spitz included the white Klein Wolfsspitz (Keeshond) from Canada, the US, Australia, and China between the mid-1920s and mid-1930s. The offspring of these crossbreedings created the breed standard for the Japanese Spitz that the Japan Kennel Club established in 1948.
The Japanese Spitz has been recognized as a breed for over 40 years, but it didn't make its way to the West until the early 1970s. The Scandinavian countries and Great Britain were the first in Europe to embrace the breed. Until 1985, it remained largely unknown and overlooked in many countries, including France, Germany, Italy, and Austria. However, the Japanese Spitz began to spread rapidly as people discovered and appreciated its remarkable qualities, despite the relatively small number of specimens.
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The breed is often seen as a charming miniature version of a snow-white Arctic dog. In addition to its striking appearance, the Japanese Spitz has unique temperament traits. It is often mistakenly referred to as “mini-Samoyed,” but this breed possesses a strong sense of territory and ownership, along with a bold personality that is not submissive. From a young age, it tends to take on a prominent role within the family. Its interactions with humans reflect mutual friendship rather than instinctual submission, creating new dynamics even for seasoned dog owners. Many who have owned a Japanese Spitz find it difficult to be satisfied with any other breed.